Elderly are exposed to physical impairment. This has a strong impact on their daily activities including
frying, which is one of the most popular cuisine preparations. The stove height and work envelope
are two major ergonomic issues in performing cooking task. There has been little research focusing
on Malaysian elderly task performing in addressing these issues. The objectives of this study were to
identify the acceptable stove height and depth and to determine the working envelope among Malaysian
elderly using anthropometric data. A total of 55 Malaysian elderly (25 male and 30 female) aged between
60 to 85 years participated in this study. Five body measurements were taken from each subject using
an anthropometer. The measurements are stature height, shoulder height, arm span, arm reach forward
and waist height. Apart from these anthropometric measurements, their present stove height was also
measured. The acquisition of stove height dimensions was performed through a series of door to door
visit of the elderly homes in Kg. Sg. Merab. These variables were used to estimate the elderly working
envelope and determine the stove height, width and depth. Data were analysed using SPSS software. The
waist height dimension was to estimate the stove height, the arm reach forward for the depth and the arm
span for the length of the table-top where the stove was placed. Meanwhile the stature and shoulder height
were used for estimating the position of the overhead compartment or placement of cooking utensils.
The 5
th
percentile was chosen since it is appropriate to accommodate 90% of the studied population. The 5
th
percentile was also applied for the setting
of the working envelope so as to provide better
reaching tolerances. Meanwhile, standard was used
to compare the present state of the studied kitchen
setting. The results show that 56.4% of the elderly
waist height is lower than the standard table-top
height which is 36 inches (91.4cm) and 36.4% of the stove height was found higher than that of the standard. This could apparently cause fatigue and
discomfort to shoulders, the neck, the arm and the back of the user. Anthropometrics measurements can
be used for estimating the stove height, length and depth. These could also calculate a space taken for
certain physical activities, such as frying task envelope. Providing a good combination of stove height,
length, depth and ergonomic working envelope could hopefully improve the elderly cooking task and
increase their quality of life.
Introduction : The purpose of this study is to explore the differences of quality of life (QOL) of Malay and non-Malay breast cancer survivors using qualitative method.
Methods : Data was collected using in-depth face to face interview. List of the patients were obtained from Oncology & Surgery Departments and contact numbers were obtained from the medical record. The interviews were conducted either in their home or in the hospital after the appointment has been made.
Results : The majority of the Malays were unable to fulfill the needs of their families. However, the non-Malays were able to fulfill the needs of their families. The majority were satisfied with social interaction and the relationships with their families and friends. In terms of feelings, most survivors felt sad, angry and sometimes they feel like they were going to die early. However the majority coped well with their illness. Regarding sleep, all Malays did not have any sleeping problems, but most of the non-Malays reported serious problems. All survivors were worried about the other female members of the family of getting the same illness. Most survivors did not have any problems with altered body image.
Conclusion : Malays did not have any sleeping problems, but most of the non-Malays reported serious problems. However, the majority of survivors coped well with their illnesses.
This study aims to determine the prevalence of denture wearing among elderly and to compare the oral health related quality of life (OHRQoL) between elderly with dentures and those without dentures. This cross sectional study involved 506 randomly selected edentulous elderly in the district of Badang, Kota Bharu, Kelantan. Consented participants were interviewed in the Kelantanese dialect at their homes by a single trained interviewer using the short version Oral Health Impact Profile [S-OHIP(M)] which had been translated into the Malay language, tested and validated for use in Malaysian population. Denture wearing and self rated denture status was noted. The prevalence of denture wearing was 46.2% (95% CI=41.83, 50.70). There was a significant difference in sex, smoking status, self perceived treatment need and self perceived satisfaction between denture wearers and non denture wearers. Denture wearers reported better overall OHRQoL compared to non denture wearers (p
Great importance has been attributed to birth weight all over the world because it is considered as one of the best predictors of prenatal survival and a good indicator of quality life. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of low birth weight babies (LBW) and factors related to it in Baghdad city. A cross sectional study was carried out in four general hospitals in Baghdad city, Iraq. A total of 225 newborn babies, alive, singleton and without congenital malformation were selected randomly from these four general hospitals.The result of the study showed the prevalence rate of low birth weights was 21.3%. Mothers’ educational level, monthly family income, mothers with chronic hypertension, mothers with history of previous low birth weight infants and anemic mothers were significantly associated with low birth weight babies (P= 0.03, 0.01, 0.02,
Objective: In Malaysia, opioid abuse is an acknowledged problem with severe health and economic repercussions. Until recently, drug addicts were mainly criminalised and forcefully rehabilitated in correctional facilities. However, the high relapse rates of this approach, coupled with the high rates of blood borne infections among drug users, led to increasing acceptance of a healthcare-based approach in the rehabilitation of drug addicts. Methadone was among the medications introduced as substitution maintenance therapy in 2005 and Universiti Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC) is a centre for MMT. This study aimed to determine the effects of MMT on quality of life in patients here. Methods: The sample was 46 patients who attended the Psychiatric outpatient clinic in fill in UMMC. The instrument used to assess quality of life was the WHOQOL-BREF. Results: The study design was cross-sectional with retrospective elements. Baseline QOL scores were obtained from case records and follow-up scores from the month of September 2007. Statistically significant improvements in all four domains of WHOQOL-BREF were found. Physical: p
Study site: Psychiatric outpatient clinic, Universiti Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC
Objective: This study aims to determine the quality of life (QOL) of Malaysian women based on their physical and mental scores and correlates with age and cervical disease severity. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study from Nov 2006 till Dec 2007 from participating
Gynecology-Oncology outpatient and in patient’s wards. QOL interviews used the SF-36 questionnaires. Main domains were the Physical Composite Scores (PCS) and the Mental Composite Scores (MCS). Results: A total of 396 participated in the study. Mean respondents age were 53.31 ± 11.21 years, educated till secondary level (39.4%), Malays (44.2%) with mean marriage duration of 27.73 ± 12.12 years. Among pre-invasive diseases, the cervical intra epithelial neoplasia (CIN) 1 was the highest in percentage of cases
(8.1%). Among invasive cancer, stage 1 cancer was highest (31.1%), followed with stage 2 (28.3%), stage 3 (7.3%) and stage 4 cancers (5.8%). PCS scores are highest among the pre-invasive and stage 1 cancer (F=4.357; p
Study site: Pusat Perubatan Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (PPUKM)
Childhood brain injury is an important and complicated public health issue worldwide. Extensive work has been done in this field. This review highlights issues that are frequently misinterpreted or overlooked in the management of childhood brain injury. The incidence of traumatic brain injury is higher than non-traumatic brain injury. However it is frequently over-reported due to various confounding factors. In ascertaining the severity of injury, assessment of brainstem functions is important and should be included in routine clinical assessment. Most rehabilitative efforts are usually aimed at improving the physical outcome. However, non-physical sequelae are also common and may be more disabling with significant impact on the learning and functioning of the child. These areas, which include depression, cognitive functioning and health-related quality of life of children, should not be overlooked in the management of childhood brain injury. In addition to caregiver’s stress, family dynamic and siblings’ well-being also play a crucial role in the recovery process of the child. By highlighting the frequently missed issues in the management of childhood brain injury, it is hoped that clinicians and professionals could pay more attention to these issues and provide a comprehensive medical care for the patients and their families.
This case report emphasizes the role of Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) in managing a family with four members suffering from mental illness, mainly schizophrenia. We report a case of middle-aged lady who was diagnosed with treatment resistant schizophrenia (TRS) living with two other family members with the same illness and their carer who developed major depression from shouldering the burden of caring for mentally ill family members. ACT, through its holistic approach, proved to have reduced hospitalizations and improve symptom control and quality of life in this family.
Cognitive Impairment is common in late life and may be due to the normal process of ageing, or associated with physical or mental disorder which contributes to a decrease in quality of life, neuropsychiatric symptoms, increased disability and increased healthcare cost. The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of cognitive impairment among the elderly members in NACSCOM in Day Care Centres within the Klang Valley and its associated socio-demographic factors such as age, gender and educational level. This cross-sectional study was conducted on 101 members of NACSCOM in Day Care Centres of Damansara,Subang Jaya and Setapak using assisted questionnaires as the research tool. The questionnaire comprising of a total of 10 questions based on Elderly Cognitive Assessment Questionnaires (ECAQ), consisted of three parts, memory, orientation and recall. One correctly answered question earned the respondent one mark. The total score for ECAQ is 10 where respondents with scores of 5 and below were identified as having cognitive impairment. Data collected was analyzed using Chi-square test (SPSS version 18). The prevalence of cognitive impairment among the elderly members of NACSCOM in Day Care Centres within the Klang Valley was 4.0%. This study also showed that there was no statistically significant association between cognitive impairment and sociodemographic factors such as age, gender and education. Prevalence of cognitive impairment among the members of NACSCOM in Day Care Centres within the Klang Valley was found to be low. This could be attributed to the fact that members actively participated in activities organized by NACSCOM. The study also did not find any statistically significant association between cognitive impairment and age, gender and education.
Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis is a spinal deformity that affects patients’ self image and confidence. Surgery is offered when the curvature is greater than 50 degrees based on the likelihood of curvature progression. Outcome measures for scoliosis correction can be described in terms of radiological improvement or improvement of health related quality of life scores. The Scoliosis Research Society 22 (SRS-22) and Scoliosis Research Society 24 (SRS-24) questionnaires are widely accepted and used to characterize clinical results. Therefore, this prospective study of 38 patients aims to investigate how the SRS-24 and SRS-22 questionnaires compare to each other in terms of scoring when the same group of patients is evaluated. The SRS-22 questionnaire tends to give an inflated value in the overall score, pain and self image domain compared to the SRS-24 questionnaire.
Objective: This preliminary investigation intended to evaluate the healthrelated quality of life (HRQoL) profile of HIV/AIDS family caregivers residing in Kuala Terengganu, Malaysia and to explore the psychometric properties of the Malay Caregiver Quality of Life (MCQoL) questionnaire in this sample. Methods: A convenient sample of family caregivers of HIV/AIDS patients who were aware of the diagnosis was enrolled. They were recruited from the Infectious Disease Clinic, Hospital Sultanah Nur Zahirah, Terengganu. Data was analysed using SPSS16 employing descriptive and non-parametric statistical methods. Results: Thirty respondents consented participation [median age = 43.0 years (range 19.0-81.0); female = 63.3%, married = 70.0%; ≤ primary school qualification = 46.7%; self-employed = 66.7% and rural residents = 56.7%]. Across all patients, the highest domain score was for Disruptiveness (median = 3.3; range 1.4-4.0) while Burden was the lowest (median = 2.3; range 1.0-3.6). As expected, males reported significantly better Financial Concerns and Burden (p
Quality of planting materials determines future successes of plantations and subsequent endeavours in the life cycle. Oil palm (Elaeis guineensis) breeding triggered an industry in Malaysia through “Plant Introduction” with the establishment of the first oil palm plantation. At the wake of the oil palm industry, plantations utilised the dura planting material. The hallmark discovery of the single gene inheritance for shell thickness led to the prolific dura x pisifera (DxP) derived tenera planting material. Subsequent parental inbred lines developed in recurrent selections, crossed and progeny tested exploiting heterosis had boosted yields. Further improvements were foresighted and executed in the widening of the genetic pool and collections of germplasm in centres of origin/diversity in Africa and Latin America. Field Genebank of the Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB) forms the world’s largest ex situ oil palm conservation programme. This programme enabled the developments of elite breeding populations harbouring specialty oils and products. Meanwhile, opening of large oil palm areas by the Federal Land Development Authority (Felda) set the momentum in rapid expansion of the industry. Felda is an exemplary in wealth creation and quality of life (QOL). Resettlements of landless farmers into Felda schemes, employing modern farming, mainly in oil palm has helped eradicate poverty and uplifting QOL among settlers, employees and their families. Impacts of the success in wealth creation and its distribution leading to better QOL, rooted from breeding through the supply of quality planting materials. Phenotypic expressions of the planting materials were realised through genotypic and environment interactions; the former through breeding, the latter through agronomic practices. Efforts in oil palm breeding helped paved the way to a mammoth industry, contributing to the nation economic growths, impacting livelihood of the people. Further progress in yield is expected from clones, where breeding has a role in the supply of quality ortets. Genetic potential of planting materials can be further exploited through interdisciplinary approach in breeding, biotechnology and genomics. With continuing wealth creation, the oil palm saga continues. Once wealth is created, QOL will follow.
Objective: This case report highlights the psychosocial complications of chronic mania in a mother and the role of CMHT in improving the condition’s outcome. Methods: We report a case of a Malay mother who had underlying chronic mania for 20 years. Results: She was aggressive and abusive towards her children causing tremendous trauma in them, had lost her child custody and almost lost her husband to another woman. Lithium with multiple psychosocial interventions delivered to the patient and her family had improved her mood symptoms significantly and improved the family’s quality of life. Conclusion: Chronic mania causes tremendously high illness burdens, and with extra care, the outcome of the condition can be improved. ASEAN Journal of Psychiatry, Vol. 15 (2): July - December 2014: 217-219.
Objective: This study was conducted to assess the effects of Methadone Maintenance Therapy (MMT) and buprenorphine-naloxone Maintenance Therapy (BNX) on the Quality of life (QoL) of opiate abusers. Methods: The QoL status of opioid-dependent patients was assessed using the WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire. It is a cross-sectional study involving a total of 108 patients who received MMT or BNX therapy in Malaysia from May 2011 to September 2011. Results: A statistically significant difference in the overall QoL and psychological aspect among patients on MMT was observed. On the contrary, the scores of overall QoL and quality of social relationship for BNX group were higher in patients with lower dosage. Conclusion: The comparison between patients on high dose MMT and high dose BNX exhibited significant difference in the overall QoL especially in psychological, social relationship and environment domains, with the high dose MMT group having better mean score. ASEAN Journal of Psychiatry, Vol. 15 (2): July - December 2014: 131-139.
Introduction: Laparoscopic fundoplication is performed for the management of symptomatic hiatus hernias and gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) refractory to medical therapy. We adopted the use of Gore Bio-A® for selected laparoscopic hiatus hernia repairs in 2011 and with this case series aimed to establish whether mesh augmentation affects symptomatic outcomes. Methods: A retrospective review of prospectively collected data from all laparoscopic fundoplications performed by a single surgeon between October 2011 and January 2013 was performed. Patient specific data were entered into a proforma and analysed using Microsoft ExcelTM. Patient reported outcomes were assessed with a system specific quality of life questionnaire (GORD-HRQL) both pre and post-operatively. Results: Twenty-three patients underwent laparoscopic fundoplication during the study period. Gore Bio-A® re-enforcement of the hiatal repair was used in 14 patients and was the preferred option for those with pre-operative evidence of a large hiatus hernia. Whilst overall there was a statistically significant difference between pre and post-operative scores (21 vs 0, p=
The health related quality of life (HRQoL) of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients is greatly influenced by their health status. The Health Index Questionnaire - Short Form 36 (SF-36) and St George Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) are commonly used to assess the HRQoL of COPD patients. Objective: This study investigates differences in HRQoL following sessions of pulmonary rehabilitation program (PRP) with a control group (CG) that had no intervention. Method: This quasi-experimental study involving 17 subjects assigned to the CG and 16 subjects in the intervention group (IG). Ethical approval was obtained from the relevant authority. Both groups were given the health index questionnaires- SF-36 and SGRQ prior and 5 weeks after the intervention. The CG only had medication while the IG performed exercises (cycling, treadmill walking, upper limb strengthening exercise and stair climbing exercise). Results: Data analysis using SPANOVA demonstrated significant improvement in HRQoL measured from SF-36 in domains of bodily pain (p=0.005), vitality (p=0.021) and mental health (p=0.002) in IG unlike the CG. Similarly, SGRQ, also shows improvement in symptom (p=0.028), activity (p=0.004) and total score (p=0.012. Conclusion: The 5 weeks pulmonary rehabilitation program demonstrated improvement in HRQoL among COPD
patients.
Life (QOL) of patients with childhood leukaemias presenting at the Hospital Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (HUKM). The objectives of this pilot study were 1) To assess the feasibility and applicability of assessing quality of life in leukaemia patients using the adult-based SF-36 questionnaire. 2) To compare the differences of QOL scores among patients based on gender and treatment status. The Short-Form-36 Health Survey (SF36) was used. The items in SF-36 were drawn from the original 245-item MOS questionnaire, which includes multi-item scales that measured the eight dimensions of quality of life namely physical function, role limitations (physical problems), bodily pain, general health, vitality, social functioning, role limitations (emotional problems) and mental health. Patients with acute leukaemias were chosen to participate in the study. Twenty-eight patients were recruited, twelve were males and 16 were females. Ten patients had completed therapy whilst 18 others were still undergoing treatment. The results showed that those patients off treatment have a better quality of life than those on chemotherapy. However, this was only significant with respect to the role limitation pertaining to physical problems. Although the use of the SF-36 was feasible, there were limitations especially in the younger age group.
Introduction: This study measured the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among COPD patients attending outpatient clinic at Institute of Respiratory Medicine, Kuala Lumpur.
Materials and Methods: A cross sectional survey was conducted from November 2008 to January 2009 on 99 COPD patients. Subjects were interviewed through socio-demographic and health characteristics. The HRQoL was measured using the SF-36v2 questionnaires.
Results: Majority of the subjects were above 60 years (64.6%) with mean age of 64.10 ± 11.04 years, male (84.8%), Malays (49.5%), married (74.7%), primary educational level(57.6%), income level below RM1000 (39.4%), ex-smoker (64.6%), moderate COPD (40.4%), 1 to 5 years of illness (62.6%), presence of co-morbidities (65.7%) and satisfied with support from caregiver (48.5%). The total mean score for physical health component summary (PCS) was 41.64 ± 7.99 and mental health component summary (MCS) was 46.53 ± 13.21.
Conclusion: There were significant differences in PCS for different educational level (p<0.05) and socio-economic status (p<0.01). The MCS were signifi cantly different between ethnicity (p<0.05) and level of satisfaction with support from caregiver (p<0.01). This finding provides information that needed focus in
healthcare services.
KEYWORDS: COPD, health-related quality of life, Malaysia
Study site: outpatient clinic, Institute of Respiratory Medicine, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Introduction: This study examined a cognitive model of depression among undergraduate students of
medical and allied health sciences. Methods: Participants (N = 279) completed a series of questionnaires related to depression (Beck Depression Inventory-Malay), negative cognitions (Automatic Thoughts Questionnaire-Malay), dysfunctional attitude (Dysfunctional Attitude Scale-Malay), stressful life events (Life Events Survey), self-efficacy (General Self-Efficacy) and quality of life (WHO Quality of Life- BREF). Results: Results of descriptive analysis revealed a higher percentage of severe depression among males when compared to female students. Results of structural equation modeling indicated an adequate fit of the model ( 2= 21.29, df = 15, p > .13; GFI = 0.97; CFI = 0.97; RMSEA = .04).
Conclusion: The findings also indicated the potential roles of self-efficacy in mediating depression.
The results are discussed in terms of self-regulating strategies of managing depression and the roles that university authorities may play in helping students to regulate depression.
Living with epilepsy is equally demanding for both patients and their caregivers. The caregivers’ tasks are not limited to caring for the patients only but also the need to improve their awareness, knowledge and attitude (AKA) level as lack of understanding has a major impact on health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Little is known about the influence of AKA on family caregivers’ HRQoL. Objective: Therefore, this study aimed to assess and relate the AKA and HRQoL profiles of epilepsy carers. Methods: This prospective, cross-sectional study included a sample of 32 epilepsy family caregivers who were recruited from the Neurology and Paediatric Clinics of Hospital Sultanah Nur Zahirah (HSNZ), Kuala Terengganu. Results: Majority were Muslims (93.8%), married (65.6%), housewives (31.2%), who earning monthly income of not more than RM 1000 (34.4%) and was the patients’ mothers (40.6%). The Total AKA score was generally good (mean=123.4±16.8, median 122.5) with awareness being good, knowledge moderate and attitude positive whereas HRQoL score for Disruptiveness was the highest (good) compared to other domains. There were significantly higher scores for Sexual Functioning (p = 0.039) among Poor AKA group and Pain Management (p = 0.040) among Good AKA. Conclusion: The overall outcomes signified that family caregivers with Good AKA experienced better well-being compared to those with Poor AKA while carrying out their roles as caregivers. Consequently, carers clearly require constant epilepsy education to enhance skill-building in order to understand and keep updates with the disease, thus indirectly sustaining their desired HRQoL status from time to time.
Study site: Neurology and Paediatric Clinics of Hospital Sultanah Nur Zahirah (HSNZ), Kuala Terengganu